A new Sumsub 2025 Global Fraud Index, developed in collaboration with Statista, reveals that Africa remains the world’s most fraud-exposed region, with an average score of 3.84, far exceeding the global average of 2.79. Covering 112 countries, the Index highlights persistent regional vulnerabilities in digital and financial systems despite global improvements. Mauritius ranked as Africa’s most fraud-protected nation, while Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda were among the least protected globally. The report stresses the urgent need for investment in digital infrastructure, stronger policy frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to combat evolving fraud threats. Experts emphasize that governance and AI-driven defences will be critical for building trust and resilience in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
Author: AfricaBusiness.com
Absa Teams Build Real-World Banking Solutions in 24 Hours at 2025 Technology Hackathon
Absa has announced the winners of its 2025 Technology Hackathon, where teams had just 24 hours to design real-world digital banking solutions. The event, themed “Ignite the Future: Innovate. Accelerate. Elevate,” showcased Absa’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and technology-led transformation across Africa. Winning teams from Zambia, South Africa, and Mauritius developed prototypes in categories including AI for Impact and Blue Sky, reflecting Absa’s focus on digital talent and customer-centered innovation.
Memorability and ROI: Why Premium Domains Like USScience.com, UKScience.com, and AustraliaScience.com Can Pay for Themselves
Premium domain names like USScience.com, UKScience.com, and AustraliaScience.com are strategic digital assets that boost brand memorability, SEO performance, and marketing ROI. This analysis evaluates their linguistic recall, global appeal, and market potential, demonstrating how investing in short, memorable, and relevant science-themed domains can generate significant return on investment. Discover the comparative memorability scores, brand potential, and projected ROI payback periods for these high-value domains. Available for purchase via Sedo Marketplace.
Don’t Put Digital First, Put It Everywhere
In 2025, brands must move beyond “digital-first” to a mindset where digital is everywhere. Jacques Du Bruyn, Co-CEO at Flume Digital Marketing, argues that digital fluency should anchor every campaign, blending traditional and online touchpoints into a seamless, human-centered experience. The modern sales funnel is no longer linear—consumers navigate a “hurricane of touchpoints,” from social media to reviews to influencers, before buying. True marketing success now depends on understanding human behavior through data, ensuring that digital becomes the connection, not just the channel, driving both engagement and authenticity across every platform.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton to Make Stylish Debut in Sub-Saharan Africa
Hilton has announced the debut of its lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Sub-Saharan Africa, with new properties in South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda. The Sterling Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal, Ava Hotel Nairobi in Lavington, and Zaria Court Kigali will mark a major milestone in Hilton’s African expansion, reflecting the company’s plan to triple its presence across the continent. Each hotel embodies local character, modern design, and the signature hospitality of Hilton, reinforcing the brand’s growth in Africa’s thriving tourism and business travel markets.
South African-founded maxwell+spark Closes $15M Series B Round with Chevron Technology Ventures, Idemitsu, and Klima
South African green-tech pioneer maxwell+spark raises $15M Series B led by Klima, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Idemitsu to expand its unified lithium-ion battery ecosystem. The funding accelerates global electrification across forklifts, transport refrigeration, and backup power — replacing diesel and lead-acid systems with cleaner, data-driven solutions.
Malengo Secures $12.9 Million from The Shapiro Foundation to Expand International Education Pathways & Financial Security
Malengo, a non-profit organization empowering young people in East Africa through international education, has secured $12.9 million in impact funding from The Shapiro Foundation to expand vocational training and university programs for low-income students and refugees in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Founded by Cornell University Professor Johannes Haushofer, Malengo enables educational migration to Germany, helping students move from living on $1.40 a day to earning over $40,000 annually. The investment will scale Malengo’s income share agreement (ISA) model, creating sustainable education and financial pathways that reduce poverty and boost community development.
Building with Women: How Microfinance Is Powering Women-Led Businesses in Africa
Across Africa, women-led businesses face challenges including limited access to collateral, financial literacy gaps, and gender norms restricting decision-making. Advans’ programs—such as El Beya in Tunisia, AdvansHer in Ghana, and VSLA-linked savings in Côte d’Ivoire—offer loans, coaching, and flexible financial tools designed for women. These initiatives have increased incomes, supported job creation, and expanded access to education, demonstrating how microfinance, women’s entrepreneurship, inclusive finance, and gender-focused financial services drive economic resilience and sustainable development.
Shadow AI vs Managed AI: Kaspersky reviews the use of neural networks for work in the META region
Kaspersky’s latest report, “Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behaviour,” reveals that over 81% of professionals in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region use AI tools for work, but only 38% have received cybersecurity training on safe neural network use. The study highlights a growing divide between “Shadow AI” —unregulated, employee-driven use of generative AI tools—and “Managed AI”, where organisations enforce policies and training to mitigate risks like data leaks and prompt injections. With AI now widely used for writing, content creation, and data analytics, Kaspersky urges companies to adopt structured AI governance policies, tiered access models, and employee education to balance innovation with security.
Madica Expands Portfolio With Two New AI Startups
Madica, the structured investment program for pre-seed African startups, has expanded its portfolio with two new AI-powered companies—Anavid (Tunisia) and Hypeo AI (Morocco). Each receives up to $200,000 and joins Madica’s 18-month program offering mentorship, global exposure, and investor connections. Madica also announced a strategic partnership with the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) to boost local investment flow and co-investment opportunities across Africa’s innovation ecosystem.